Episode 11: Character
Cultivating Character: The Foundation of Leadership
As a lifelong educator and leader, there are very few attributes that hold as much weight and are vital to success as character is. It's the bedrock upon which we seek to build for all members of our learning community. No successful organization can thrive without a culture of character. Within the Troy School District's Portrait of a Learner, character shines as a guiding light, illuminating the path toward becoming not just exceptional learners but exemplary leaders in our communities.
What is character? It's more than just a word; it's a reflection of who we are at our core. In our district, we define character as the embodiment of grit, tenacity, perseverance, and resilience. This, along with a commitment to deep learning, is the fuel that drives us forward, the shield that protects us from setbacks, and the compass that guides us through challenges. A person of character is not only a tenacious self-starter but also someone who sees learning not as a task but as an integral part of living.
Grit, often heralded as the secret sauce of success, is the unwavering determination to pursue long-term goals despite obstacles and setbacks. It's the willingness to fall down seven times and get up eight, knowing that each stumble is a lesson in resilience.
Tenacity is the refusal to give up, even when the odds seem insurmountable. It's the quiet voice that whispers, "Keep going" in moments of doubt and uncertainty.
Perseverance is the steady persistence in the face of adversity. It's the ability to stay the course, even when the journey seems arduous, knowing that every step forward brings us closer to our destination.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks stronger than before. It's turning setbacks into stepping stones, and failures into opportunities for growth.
But why is character so crucial for leadership? At its core, leadership is not just about holding a position of authority or making decisions; it's about inspiring others to be their best selves, to reach for the stars, and to overcome obstacles with grace and determination.
Leadership without character is like a ship without a compass, drifting aimlessly in a sea of uncertainty. It may make progress, but it lacks direction and purpose. True leadership, on the other hand, is grounded in character. It's about leading by example, and showing others what is possible when we embrace the values of grit, tenacity, perseverance, and resilience.
I am proud that the Troy School District is recognized as a world-class institution of learning. Several of our schools have been identified as Michigan and National Schools of Character. Examples of character are on display each day as students seek to support one another and our larger community. For example, Troy High just raised almost $39,000 during Activist Week for the charity On My Own, a non-profit organization that helps young adults with developmental disabilities find the tools, skills, connections, and places where they can live independently. Athens High just raised $166,439.53 for Love for a Child, a local organization that serves children and families within Michigan’s foster care system. Athens also found a donor willing to match 100% of the donations resulting in a combined contribution of $332,879.06.
All of our schools across the district regularly showcase character through their acts of service for a variety of organizations all year long. Our middle school 8th-grade Web Leaders meet with our 6th-graders monthly to share lessons about character. Our schools host blood drives and collect donations for those less fortunate, they provide physical service to others by raking leaves and donating their time. Our students don’t talk about leadership, they demonstrate it through action.
In conclusion, character is not just a nice-to-have attribute; it's a must-have for anyone aspiring to leadership and success. It's the secret ingredient that sets great leaders apart from the rest. So, let us cultivate character in ourselves and in others, knowing that with grit, tenacity, perseverance, and resilience as our guiding stars, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.